During the Age of Enlightenment, significant movements arose that emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and human rights. Intellectuals like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau championed ideas of individual liberty, secular governance, and social contracts. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for modern democracy and inspired revolutions, notably the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The movement also fostered progress in science and philosophy, challenging traditional authority and promoting education. Overall, these ideas influenced various aspects of society, including politics, education, and religion, encouraging a shift towards rationalism and empiricism.